This week, I wrote to the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to congratulate him on his appointment. Whilst we may come from different political traditions, I believe we share a common goal: creating opportunity, driving economic growth and delivering better public services for the people who rely on them.

I set out my support for the Government’s commitment to devolution and made the case for reforms that would help Croydon continue its recovery and build a more financially sustainable future. Over the last four years, we have made significant progress in stabilising the Council and rebuilding trust, but there is still more to do. My aspiration remains clear: a cleaner, safer and more prosperous Croydon with thriving neighbourhoods, successful businesses and strong public services.

To achieve that, councils need greater freedom and flexibility. I have, therefore, called for longer-term funding settlements, business rates reform, greater flexibility over local fees and charges, changes to temporary accommodation funding, stronger regeneration powers, devolved funding for skills, housing and employment, and more opportunities to join up public services. These reforms would help Croydon attract investment, deliver regeneration, support local businesses and create more opportunities for residents.

I also announced this week that Croydon Council will formally object to the Mayor of London’s draft London Plan. The Plan sets a target for Croydon to build 21,544 new homes over the next decade and relies heavily on development on Green Belt land. Whilst I support building more homes, including affordable housing, I am equally determined to protect our valuable green spaces. I believe we should prioritise brownfield sites and focus on delivering homes that already have planning permission before considering development on Green Belt land. You can read more about our position here.

Love Parks Week

Today marks the start of Love Parks Week and with the school holidays in full swing, it is the perfect time to get out and enjoy Croydon’s wonderful green spaces, all 127 of them!

Earlier this week, I was pleased to meet representatives from our Friends of Parks Groups at the first quarterly Parks Forum, which I committed to establish during the first 100 days of my second term as Executive Mayor. It was a productive discussion about how we can continue improving Croydon’s parks. It was inspiring to hear from so many dedicated volunteers who give their time to support their local communities, and they brought forward a range of excellent ideas.

We also discussed how we can make better use of vacant buildings in our parks. Through £1.5m of Pride in Place funding I have directed investment in transforming the former mess rooms at Waddon Ponds, Addiscombe Recreation Ground, and The Queen’s Gardens into cafes or kiosks with public toilets. These improvements will create welcoming spaces where residents can spend more time enjoying our parks and open spaces. I would like to see similar projects across the borough.

If you know of any unused buildings in our parks that could be put to better use, I would love to hear your ideas so we can explore the possibilities together.

Last week I visited Wandle Park and today I was at Duppas Hill where I met some Parkguard officers and saw first-hand some of the challenges our parks are facing, including rough sleeping and tents being erected in our green spaces. We want our parks to be safe, welcoming places for everyone, so our approach is to work with partners such as StreetLink and Change Grow Live. We offer support to those who need it, whilst taking enforcement action where necessary to tackle antisocial behaviour and protect our parks. If you see someone sleeping rough or a tent in one of our parks, please report it. Early reporting helps us engage with individuals quickly, offer support and take action where appropriate to keep our parks clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Supporting businesses in Thornton Heath

It was a pleasure to attend the Thornton Heath Revitalisation Forum this week, established last December, bringing together residents, businesses, community organisations and partners to identify priorities, develop ideas and help turn them into practical projects that will improve Thornton Heath.

One of the ideas discussed was the future of the former park keeper’s cottage in Trumble Gardens. I want to see the building brought back into community use as a valuable local asset, and it was encouraging to hear the Forum’s proposal to create a community hub there. I look forward to continuing those discussions and seeing how the project develops.

Regina Road fun day

If you are a Regina Road resident, we would love to see you at our fun day tomorrow (Saturday 25 July). I will be there along with the project team and building contractor Lovell. It is a great opportunity to find out more about the regeneration at Regina Road and ask any questions you may have and enjoy a free day of activities for the community.

Have a great weekend.

Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon